Monday, March 31, 2014

The exhibits below are for KTU registered kids and parents in the Virginia Tech Kids' Tech University program on April 5th!

Exhibit title- "Robtic Extraterrestrial Mining"

Mining in Space is the first step to substantial space travel and colonization. The extra-terrestrial minerals that have been studied have proven to be an effective fuel source. This is a must in the endeavor that is deep travel. Colonies on other planets would need to have a local fuel source. The first step in this would be in developing robots that can harvest regolith in the harsh environments found on Mars and Asteroids.

Group hosting exhibit- Astrobotics at Virginia Tech

The Astrobotics team is a senior design team in the Aerospace and Mining engineering departments that is participating in the NASA Robotic Mining Competition. This is the 5th year of the competition formerly known as the Lunabotics competition has be held at Kennedy Space Center, but as space exploration has shifted from the moon to Mars and asteroids. The team is tasked with designing and building a robotic rover capable of mining Martian or asteroid regolith.

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Exhibit title- "New River Valley Rocketry "Our booth will have static displays of rockets ranging in height from 3” to over 12 feet. We will have on display different types of model and high power rocket engines as well as payloads from altimeters to video cameras. We will show short video segments of rocket launches from our launches in the New River Valley and from other sites around the world. Come see the Virginia Tech themed rocket which went from 0 to 619 miles per hour in less than 50 feet and is signed by the original rocket boy, Homer Hickam.

New River Valley Rocketry is a prefecture of the Tripoli Rocketry Association, Inc. Our mission is to educate, enable and inspire students and the public on safe construction, launching and recovery of all sizes of hobby rocketry. We provide event insurance through our parent organization, file all proper FAA waivers and NOTAM and fly with permission of land owners. We strictly follow our safety code which has proven itself in over 50 years of hobby rocketry experience with an estimated over 500 million rockets flown without any serious injury or death. NRVR strongly encourages and supports outreach and activities to generate excitement and enthusiasm for the next generation of scientists, engineers, and rocket and space enthusiasts.

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Exhibit title- "DNA Extraction from Strawberries"

The Biochemistry Club hosts this hands-on experience with DNA. DNA is the genetic material that gives living organisms their characteristics. The Biochemistry Club of Virginia Tech invites all KTU participants to engage in a hands-on DNA extraction from strawberry. We use strawberries as a source for extracting DNA because they are soft and easy to pulverize, and they produce enzymes which aid in breaking down the plant cell walls. Strawberries have enormous genomes. They are octoploid, which means they have eight of each type of chromosome (which equals abundant DNA). At the end of this experiment participants can take their strawberry DNA home.

Group hosting exhibit- Biochemistry Club

The Biochemistry Club of Virginia Tech is an undergraduate Biochemistry majors group that sponsors events for career development of students. One important activity is the engagement of elementary school students in science activities.

The Geotechnical Student Organization will be performing two demonstrations; the first being a reinforced soil demonstration and the second being a liquefaction demonstration. The reinforced soil demonstration will allow the kids to build multiple blocks of sand, some being reinforced with paper and some not. They will then get to stand on each block and compare the results. After observing how different the two outcomes are, students will be asked to hypothesize how the reinforcement is working. Posters with simple explanations of what is happening will be used to ultimately explain the reinforcement. The second demonstration will show what liquefaction is and how it actually occurs. Volunteers will place small objects on sand and a machine designed to cause liquefaction will be used to simulate an earthquake. This test will be run when the sand is dry and when the sand is saturated, and it will be observed that when water is present the sand will liquefy and the objects on the sand will sink. An explanation will then be provided as to why liquefaction is occurring. Both of these demonstrations are designed to involve the kids in hands on activities as well as challenge them with questions. Virginia Tech key chains will be given out to students who participate in answering questions.

Group hosting exhibit- The Geotechnical Student Organization of Virginia Tech

The Geotechnical Student Organization (GSO) is a student-led body that functions to enhance the educational and personal experience of students in geotechnical engineering at Virginia Tech. The organization is committed to increasing student awareness of the geotechnical engineering profession as well as Virginia Tech’s reputation as a leader in graduate geotechnical engineering education. The GSO works to connect with the undergraduate civil engineering population at Virginia Tech as well as promote participation in student activities organized by the Geo-Institute.The organization consists of a president and six officers, who work together to organize field trips, open house for newly accepted students, as well as outreach activities to educate younger students about geotechnical engineering. The GSO coordinates with professionals to obtain guest speakers for seminar classes where students can see geotechnical engineering from an industry perspective. An annual trip to the Geo- Congress conference is coordinated by the GSO as well. All students in the geotechnicalengineering program are invited to attend and the conference provides great networking and educational opportunities.

Saturday, March 29, 2014

The exhibits below are for KTU registered kids and parents in the Virginia Tech Kids' Tech University program on April 5th!

Exhibit title- "Virginia Career VIEW"

Learn about environmental scientists, park naturalists, veterinary technicians, wildlife biologists,soil and water conservationists, and other careers that work with animals, conservation, and ecosystems!

Group hosting exhibit- Virginia Career VIEW

Virginia Career VIEW (Vital Information for Education and Work) is recognized as the Commonwealth's Career Information Delivery System for all students in grades K-8 in Virginia. We are located at Virginia Tech as part of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences in the School of Education. As part of the Office of Educational Research and Outreach, our mission is to inform, encourage, and support the education and career development of the people of Virginia. Virginia Career VIEW is supported by State funds from the Virginia Department of Education, directly through Virginia Tech. Our efforts combine independent research, engaging activities, in addition to hands-on statewide training and outreaches with the most current data presented using the latest technology.

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Exhibit title- "Dig in Deeper: Natural Connections"

Life cycle analysis is research that tracks the full life cycle of things. This analysis measures and accounts for all the costs associated with a product. Costs include the product's manuafacturing (including the raw materials and energy used to make the product), packaging, transportation, use, possible re0use or recycling, and complete disposal of the item. Life cycle analysis shows us that the costs of disposing of the things that we use are much highter than previously expected. Check out how long it takes for various items to break down in a landfill and make predictions at this booth!

Group hosting exhibit- VT Service Learning group

The undergraduate students presenting the activity are Virginia Tech Service Learning Students. As part of their classes, students participate in service projects where they donate a portion of their time and write a final report on their experience. Kids' Tech University is excited to work with these students!

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Exhibit title- "The Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society at Virginia Tech"

At our booth we will have specimens that the kids can touch including skins, skulls, and possibly 2 live specimens. We may also have coloring pages, a game and prizes.

Group hosting exhibit- The Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society at Virginia Tech

The Virginia Tech Chapter of The Wildlife Society is a student organization for those interested in wildlife and becomeing a proffessional in the wildlife field. Our mission is to promote professionalism in our membership through experience, networking, conservation awareness and education in an enjoyable atmosphere.. Our members develop and promote sound stewardship of wildlife resources and of the environments upon which wildlife and humans depend.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

The exhibits below are for KTU registered kids and parents in the Virginia Tech Kids' Tech University program on April 5th!

Exhibit title- "Virginia Career VIEW"

Learn about environmental scientists, park naturalists, veterinary technicians, wildlife biologists,soil and water conservationists, and other careers that work with animals, conservation, and ecosystems!

Group hosting exhibit- Virginia Career VIEW

Virginia Career VIEW (Vital Information for Education and Work) is recognized as the Commonwealth's Career Information Delivery System for all students in grades K-8 in Virginia. We are located at Virginia Tech as part of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences in the School of Education. As part of the Office of Educational Research and Outreach, our mission is to inform, encourage, and support the education and career development of the people of Virginia. Virginia Career VIEW is supported by State funds from the Virginia Department of Education, directly through Virginia Tech. Our efforts combine independent research, engaging activities, in addition to hands-on statewide training and outreaches with the most current data presented using the latest technology.

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Exhibit title- "Dig in Deeper: Natural Connections"

Life cycle analysis is research that tracks the full life cycle of things. This analysis measures and accounts for all the costs associated with a product. Costs include the product's manuafacturing (including the raw materials and energy used to make the product), packaging, transportation, use, possible re0use or recycling, and complete disposal of the item. Life cycle analysis shows us that the costs of disposing of the things that we use are much highter than previously expected. Check out how long it takes for various items to break down in a landfill and make predictions at this booth!

Group hosting exhibit- VT Service Learning group

The undergraduate students presenting the activity are Virginia Tech Service Learning Students. As part of their classes, students participate in service projects where they donate a portion of their time and write a final report on their experience. Kids' Tech University is excited to work with these students!

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Exhibit title- "The Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society at Virginia Tech"

At our booth we will have specimens that the kids can touch including skins, skulls, and possibly 2 live specimens. We may also have coloring pages, a game and prizes.

Group hosting exhibit- The Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society at Virginia Tech

The Virginia Tech Chapter of The Wildlife Society is a student organization for those interested in wildlife and becomeing a proffessional in the wildlife field. Our mission is to promote professionalism in our membership through experience, networking, conservation awareness and education in an enjoyable atmosphere.. Our members develop and promote sound stewardship of wildlife resources and of the environments upon which wildlife and humans depend.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

The 2014 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Summer Workshop(akastem2014.WordPress.com) is a free event sponsored by the Tau Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2014 from 9:00AM to 3:00PM at the Virginia Bioinformatics Institute at Virginia Tech. (https://www.vbi.vt.edu/)

The 2014 STEM Summer Workshop aims to expose interested students (Grades 6-8) to activities and experiences in the biomedical sciences and engineering. Students will participate in activities that provide hands-on experience working with basic concepts and features of these fields in the hopes of instilling an interest and possible career aspirations in the biomedical sciences or engineering. The 6-hour workshop is intended to provide activities in a college environment as well as exposure to professionals who have madecareers in these areas of study. Evidence suggests that the next wave of jobs in the American economy will be in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This summer program intends to cultivate an interest and greater understanding of STEM as students continue their educational pursuits. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA) is an international service organization that was founded in 1908 on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. It is the oldest Greek-lettered organization established by African-American college-educated women. Since its charter in 1992, the Tau Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is committed to the development of America’s youth and committed to service in the New River Valley. In addition to engaging in mentoring, education, health & wellness, and economic development programs, we feel it is important to aid in developing talented young Americans in pursuit of higher education. The Links, Incorporated is an international, not-for-profit corporation, established in 1946. The membership consists of 12,000 professional women of color in 276 chapters located in 41 states, the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. It is one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of extraordinary women who are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry. The outstanding programming of The Links, Incorporated has five facets which include National Trends and Services, The Arts, Services to Youth, International Trends and Services, and Health and Human Services. (Source: http://www.linksinc.org/about.shtml)Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated is the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African-Americans. Founded at Cornell University (Ithaca, New York) in 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha seeks “to stimulate the ambition of its members; to prepare them for the greatest usefulness in the causes of humanity, freedom, and dignity of the individual; to encourage the highest and noblest form of manhood; and to aid down-trodden humanity in its efforts to achieve higher social, economic and intellectual status.” The Fraternity’s current programs aim to encourage college attendance; provide education for young males ages 12- 15 on sexuality, fatherhood and the role of males in relationships; encourage political awareness and voter empowerment; develop leadership skills among America’s youth; and provide positive mentoring of the young. (Source: http://www.alpha-phi-alpha.com/index.php)This program is made possible by the generous support of Dr. Kristy Collins, Graduate and Post-Graduate Program Manager for the Virginia Bioinformatics Institute (VBI); Dr. Edward J. Smith, Professor of Comparative Genomics; the Virginia Tech Post-Baccalaureate Research and Education Program (PREP); the Virginia Tech Initiative to Maximize Student Development (IMSD) program; the Alpha Kappa Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, The Roanoke Chapter of The Links, Incorporated; andthe Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Program at Virginia Tech.

Eligibility for participating in the STEM Summer Workshops requires that the applicant:• Is a 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student in the upcoming academic year (2014-2015).• Has strong academic achievement.• Demonstrates an interest in learning more about experiences in the fields of science, technology,engineering, or mathematics.• Submits the following documents:A Completed Application https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_80TRVT3AQzs60sJApplication requires a personal Statement (500 words or less)